An elevation certificate is an insurance rating tool that’s used to determine compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The certificate is used to verify and document critical finished elevations of a structure to determine that structures eligibility for flood insurance. At times, a property may appear to be in a flood zone per the graphical representation on a FEMA flood map which could warrant flood insurance. In actuality, the structure may be above the elevation used to make the flood zone determination and an elevation certificate is used to prove this therefore rendering the need for flood insurance null.
WHAT IS AN ELEVATION CERTIFICATE?
FEMA has developed a standardized Elevation Certificate form that is used to gather elevation data for the purpose of accurately assessing flood risks to structures located in Flood Hazard Zones. An Elevation Certificate must be prepared and certified by a licensed Land Surveyor, such as Professional Land Surveyors.